Iran claims drone attack on US radar site in Bahrain

Iran's claim

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces carried out a drone attack on a US radar system at a military base in Bahrain, according to a statement carried by Iranian state media.

"The US air defence radar system at the Al-Riffa helicopter base in Bahrain was targeted by six drones belonging to the IRGC Aerospace Force," the Guards said in a statement posted by the state broadcaster on Telegram.

The IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz is closed and warned that any aggression by the American enemy will be met with an even harsher and more forceful response.

Bahrain and US response

Bahrain's military said it intercepted several Iranian attacks, "preventing them from reaching their intended targets". The foreign ministry said air defence systems shot down Iranian drones.

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said it shot down two Iranian drones targeting the Gulf island, reporting no casualties or damage in the attack.

Bahrain's foreign ministry said the country "rejects turning its territory into an arena for settling scores and holds Iran fully responsible for these attacks and their consequences".

Context

The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and struck infrastructure including airports, seaports, energy facilities, and US assets across the region.

On Friday, the Revolutionary Guards said their forces targeted a US early warning radar system in Bahrain, the first strike against a Gulf country since early September.

Why it matters

The competing claims leave the military outcome of the attack disputed, with Iran asserting a successful strike and the US reporting an interception without damage. Bahrain's role as host of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet means any attack on American military assets there draws attention to the security of Gulf host nations during the wider conflict.

Sources

• france24.com: Iran claims attack on US military airbase in Bahrain - France 24
• middleeastmonitor.com: Iran claims it destroyed US early-warning radar in Bahrain – Middle East Monitor
• economictimes.indiatimes.com: Iran claims attack on US radar in Bahrain as tanker fires raise Hormuz tensions - The Economic Times
• news.az: Iran says six drones targeted US military site in Bahrain | News.az
• defencesecurityasia.com: Iran Claims US Early-Warning Radar Hit in Bahrain, Raising Stakes for Hormuz - Defence Security Asia
• arabtimesonline.com: Iran Claims Attack on US Military Base in Bahrain; Report Remains Unverified | arabtimes

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.